Neighborhood Improvement District Creation Process

On March 28, 2011, after considerable review and discussion, the Orlando City Council adopted an ordinance authorizing the creation of Local Government Neighborhood Improvement Districts in locations that meet specific criteria (see Ordinance No. 2011-3). A Local Government Neighborhood Improvement District (LGNID) is one of the four types of Neighborhood Improvement Districts authorized by Florida law (see Part IV, Chapter 163, Florida Statutes).

Purpose

A LGNID is a dependent special district established to monitor and advocate for the interests of the business and property owners within a defined area. It is intended to foster communication and cooperation among business and property owners. It may also plan for, construct, operate or maintain physical improvements.

A LGNID has a staff and an Advisory Council. The Advisory Council develops an operating budget, strategic plan, capital improvements plan and financing plan for review and approval by a Governing Board. The Orlando City Council is the Governing Board.

Taxation and Assessments

A LGNID may levy a special assessment of up to $500 annually for each individual parcel of land in the district, if approved by referendum.

A LGNID may also levy an ad valorem tax on real and personal property of up to 2 mills annually, if approved by referendum.

The Orlando City Council has indicated it will not authorize a referendum concerning special assessments or ad valorem taxes in a LGNID until the LGNID has been in place for at least 18 months.

Minimum Requirements for a LGNID

LGNIDs in the City of Orlando must meet specific criteria listed in Section 40.4(3) of the Orlando City Code (see Ordinance No. 2011-3). A LGNID must also comply with Chapter 163, Part IV, Florida Statutes.

Before a LGNID can be established, the Orlando City Council must first appoint an exploratory committee to determine whether the district is feasible and desirable. The exploratory committee must conduct at least four public meetings, gather information, and issue a report concerning the location, boundaries, size, name, goals, purposes, structure and merits the proposed district (see Ordinance No. 2011-3).

On June 7, 2010, the Orlando City Council approved a resolution creating the Downtown South Neighborhood Improvement District Exploratory Committee. The Exploratory Committee met four times in 2010 to gather and analyze information relevant to the proposed district. After considering public comments at two advertised hearings, the Exploratory Committee recommended that the City Council adopt two ordinances: (1) an ordinance allowing LGNIDs in the City, and (2) an ordinance creating the Downtown South NID.

Downtown South Neighborhood Improvement District

On March 28, 2011, the Orlando City Council adopted Ordinance No. 2011-3 allowing LGNIDs in the City. On July 25, 2011, the Orlando City Council adopted Ordinance No. 2011-28 creating the Downtown South NID. Ordinance No. 2011-28 established the Orlando City Council as the Downtown South NID Board of Directors; granted the Downtown South NID all the powers allowed under Section 163.514, Florida Statutes; and authorized a Downtown South NID Advisory Council. The Board of Directors is responsible for “Major Decisions,” such as:

Taxation

Special assessments

Financing

Eminent domain

Contracts in excess of $100,000

Meeting Schedule

The Downtown South NID Board of Directors meets as needed during regularly scheduled Orlando City Council meetings.